Louvre Director Reveals Balcony Entry Point had No Camera Coverage Following Jewel Heist
PARIS, France – the balcony used by thieves to enter the Louvre Museum and steal a collection of precious jewels was not covered by security cameras, Louvre Director Laurence des Cars revealed Wednesday.The admission comes as authorities investigate the daring theft and assess vulnerabilities in the museum’s security infrastructure.
The lack of camera coverage at the entry point highlights a critical gap in the Louvre’s defenses,designed several years ago to counter threats prevalent at the time – primarily armed robberies targeting display cases. While the museum’s high-security display cases were designed to withstand bullets, des Cars acknowledged the system now needs adaptation to address “a new type of attack, to new operating methods that had not been envisaged.” The incident has profoundly shocked museum staff, French citizens, and art lovers worldwide, prompting a extensive review of security protocols.
Des Cars emphasized the existing security system “worked perfectly” in the context of its original design, focusing on protecting against physical breaches of the jewel displays themselves. “At the time, this was the dominant modus operandi for this type of attack, for precious objects, jewelry, attacks in jewelry stores,” she stated. “That’s what the Louvre is protecting itself against.”
The museum is now considering a range of enhancements, including fortifying the Louvre’s perimeter and restricting parking in the immediate vicinity. Des Cars also indicated she is exploring the possibility of establishing a permanent police station within the museum itself.
CNN’s John Miller contributed to this report.
